Arizona loves Cinco de Mayo!

Celebrations around the Valley

Celebrate, Gente! Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over the French invader army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. But you don’t have to have Mexican blood to par-tay. Like the Fourth of July, anyone can join in!
Head out to Cinco happenings in all four directions. But none bigger than the Food City Cinco de Mayo blow-out in Phoenix. Leave it to homeboy-at-heart marketing guru Ray Arvizu to top his coup of last Cinco, when he brought in Ozomatli to wow La Phoeñiquena. Who can forget Ozo singing, “Oye, Baby, oye, Mommi, donde esta la after-party?” And, as always, dancing through the clappin’ crowd for their grand finale? This time Ray scores twice with Grammy winners Los Lonely Boys and the kings of cruising sounds, War.
So check out your favorite Cinco ‘haps y hechate a bailar!


May 3–4
Phoenix
Food City Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The two-day Food City Cinco de Mayo festival features all types of music, food, art, dancing and lucha libre. This year they’ll create Arizona’s largest bag of tortilla chip and largest jar of salsa. You can win prizes by guessing the amounts. Suns and D-backs Latino players will sign autographs. Grand Canyon College will raffle scholarships, and motorcycle riders will perform their famous Balls of Steel stunts. Great for the whole family. Headliners include Los Lonely Boys and War. In downtown Phoenix on Washington Street between Central and 4th avenues. Sat., 1 p.m.- midnight; Sun. noon-10 p.m.. $5 for adults, kids 12 and under free. www.arvizuadvertising.com.   


May 3
Chandler
The City of Chandler is staging Chihuahua Races and crowning their Cinco king and queen. Think your little hot dog has a chance? Bring it down! Mariachi and other music, folklore dancers from Guadalupe, food y mas. Bands include Latino Rebel Band, Zumba, and Tucson’s Orquesta Sarengue. Organized by the Chandler Coalition for Civil and Human Rights. In downtown Chandler at the Library Plaza, 22 S. Delaware St. Noon- 8 p.m. Free. (480) 895-0440.


May 3–4
Fuego hot Cinco!
The Reality Band swings it over the Cinco de Mayo weekend at Fuego Bar & Grill, 91st Ave. and Van Buren in Tolleson. Fun starts at 8 p.m.

May 3
West side Cinco
The New Image Band will ring in Cinco 7 p.m. on at Garcia’s Del Metro, 3301 W. Peoria in Phoenix. See you there!
 

May 3–4
Cinco Express
Hop on the “Cinco express,” what we call the slow train ride as the Verde Canyon Railroad celebrates Arizona’s Mexican heritage. Mobile mariachis, Mexican-style appetizers and plenty of margaritas and cold cervezas highlight the fun at the depot and abroad the morning and afternoon train runs. Take in the scenic Verde Valley and nesting bald eagles, among other natural wonders. www.verdecanyonrailroad.com.


May 3
Casino Cinco
Experience an old-time Charreada, La Riena de las Flores pageant, an Escaramuza competition, and lots of music, chow, baile, y niños activities at the Cinco de Mayo festival at Apache Gold Casino, just east of Globe. While you’re there, pull a quarter slot for us – we’re feelin’ lucky. www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com


May 3
Cinco de Mayo Flamenco!
Flamenco del Sol Spanish Dance Ensemble performs a Cinco free family program, Viva España: A Journey Through Spain. Led by Herlinda Lopez and Deanne Poulos, this interactive dance show takes niños and niños -at-heart through the Spanish dance moves of zapateado (footwork), ritmos (rhythms), palmas (hand-clapping), castañuelas (castanets) and jaleos (shouts) – Ole! At the Cholla Library branch, Metro Center, 10050 Metro Parkway East. Call Flamenco del Sol at (602) 841-5185.